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RESEARCH PAPER

IMPROPER WASTE DISPOSAL ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH IN COMMUNITIES

Submitted by:

Lensagan, Jean Mikaela

BS ECE- 1A

Submitted to:

Sir Leovigildo Leo Mallillin

Introduction
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Improper waste disposal presents critical challenges to both public health and

environmental sustainability. Communities around the world struggle with the

consequences of inadequate waste management practices, which lead to air, water,

and soil contamination. These environmental hazards contribute significantly to the

spread of diseases, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the

elderly. Research has highlighted that improper waste disposal can result in respiratory

illnesses, waterborne diseases, and other health complications (Raphela et al., 2024;

WHO, 2024). Furthermore, the accumulation of waste in public areas creates ideal

breeding grounds for pests, exacerbating health risks (Akmal & Jamil, 2021). Without

effective intervention, the risks posed by improper waste disposal continue to grow,

harming the well-being of individuals and communities alike.

In addition to its direct effects on public health, improper waste disposal has far-

reaching environmental consequences. Contaminated water sources, soil degradation,

and the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere are common outcomes of poor

waste management practices. These factors disrupt ecosystems and contribute to

climate change, amplifying their impact on human health. Proper waste segregation and

recycling can significantly reduce the burden on landfills and minimize pollution, as

emphasized by Akmal and Jamil (2021). Furthermore, raising awareness about

responsible waste disposal behaviors empowers communities to adopt healthier

practices (Abubakar et al., 2022). Collaborative efforts among governments,

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organizations, and individuals play a pivotal role in mitigating these challenges (WHO,

2024)

The objectives of this research are to assess the impact of improper waste

disposal on public health, examine the environmental consequences of poor waste

management, identify the factors contributing to improper waste disposal in

communities, and propose solutions for improving waste management and public

health. By addressing these objectives, this study seeks to provide actionable insights

that can inform policies and practices aimed at creating healthier and more sustainable

communities. The integration of public awareness, policy reforms, and innovative

solutions will be essential to combat improper waste disposal effectively and enhance

the quality of life for affected communities.

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Review Of Related Literature

Impact of Improper Waste Disposal on Public Health

Waste mismanagement has long been associated with severe public health

risks, particularly in vulnerable communities. Kalua et al. (2023) investigated the

consequences of inadequate waste disposal in informal settlements and found a direct

correlation between poor waste management and the spread of infectious diseases. In

areas with limited waste collection services, residents often resort to unsafe disposal

methods, such as illegal dumping, which contaminates water sources and creates

breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and rodents. This leads

to outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, including cholera, typhoid,

malaria, and dengue. The study highlights the urgent need for improved waste

collection infrastructure and public health education to mitigate these risks.

Similarly, Zand and Heir (2020) focused on the dangers of improper medical

waste disposal, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their research in Isfahan,

Iran, revealed that healthcare facilities with insufficient waste segregation and disposal

systems posed significant risks to both healthcare workers and the general population.
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The study identified key factors such as inadequate training, lack of infrastructure, and

weak regulatory enforcement as major contributors to increased exposure to pathogens

and toxic chemicals. Improper medical waste disposal was found to contribute to

environmental contamination, further exacerbating public health challenges. The

findings emphasize the need for stricter policies, proper waste segregation practices,

and comprehensive training programs for healthcare personnel.

Ed-Idoko et al. (2024) explore the detrimental effects of improper waste disposal

on surface and groundwater quality. The study emphasizes that pollutants, including

chemicals and biological agents, degrade water resources, posing significant health

risks to humans, animals, and ecosystems. Pathogens from human and animal waste

are identified as primary contributors to illnesses linked to contaminated drinking water.

The researchers advocate for measures such as recycling plastics, proper disposal of

chemicals and non-biodegradable items, and effective waste collection and treatment to

mitigate water pollution and protect aquatic environments.

Environmental Consequences of Poor Waste Management

Poor waste management has severe environmental consequences, affecting

ecosystems, public health, and climate stability. Mor and Ravindra (2023) highlight the
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significant environmental degradation caused by disorganized waste collection,

transportation, and disposal in lower- and middle-income countries. The study

emphasizes that improper waste handling leads to pollution of land and water

resources, emission of greenhouse gases, and overall ecosystem degradation. Without

an efficient waste management system, these negative effects persist, worsening

environmental damage over time.

Similarly, Osazee and Gupta (2021) examine the impact of inadequate landfill

management, stressing that poor disposal practices contribute to preventable illnesses

and deaths. Landfills, particularly those lacking proper containment and treatment, emit

substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and methane—both potent greenhouse gases.

Municipal solid waste accounts for nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with

landfill methane contributing 12% of total methane emissions worldwide. The study

suggests repurposing landfills for energy production as a sustainable solution while

highlighting emerging waste treatment technologies that can reduce environmental

risks.

Chisholm et al. (2021) extend the discussion to medical waste management,

identifying inadequate segregation, transportation, and treatment of medical waste as

major environmental hazards. The study finds that hazardous materials such as

pharmaceuticals, pathogens, and toxic chemicals often leak into the environment,

contaminating soil and water sources. This contamination not only disrupts biodiversity

but also threatens human health. The authors advocate for stricter regulations, modern
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disposal technologies, and public awareness initiatives to minimize the harmful effects

of medical waste on the environment.

Factors Contributing to Improper Waste Disposal in Communities

Improper waste disposal remains a major challenge in many communities,

driven by socio-economic, infrastructural, and behavioral factors. Key contributors

include inadequate public awareness, weak waste management infrastructure, and poor

policy enforcement, all of which heighten environmental and health risks.

Eshete et al. (2023) highlight that a lack of public awareness and education

prevents proper waste management, as many individuals fail to recognize its

consequences. Inadequate waste collection services lead to accumulation, forcing

residents to resort to open dumping and burning. The absence of proper disposal

infrastructure, such as bins and recycling centers, worsens the issue, especially in low-

income areas. Cultural norms, rapid urbanization, and weak policy enforcement further

contribute to ineffective waste management. The study calls for stronger regulations,

public education, and improved infrastructure to address these challenges.

Similarly, Dhivya and Williams (2024) examine improper waste disposal in

Puducherry, India, linking it to rapid urbanization and overwhelmed waste management

systems. Insufficient waste collection and disposal infrastructure result in widespread

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waste accumulation, while public non-compliance exacerbates environmental and

health risks. The study also highlights the shortage of waste bins and irregular collection

services, contributing to drainage blockages and pollution. The researchers advocate

for better infrastructure, stricter regulations, and public awareness campaigns to

encourage responsible waste disposal.

Olorunfemi and Aina (2024) explore waste disposal issues in Nigeria, identifying

similar challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and insufficient collection services.

The lack of proper facilities leads to widespread dumping and contamination, while

limited public awareness worsens environmental and health consequences. The study

links improper waste disposal to serious health risks, including disease spread,

respiratory issues, and pest infestations. The authors propose using the Health Belief

Model to raise awareness and promote sustainable waste management. Researchers

recommend education campaigns, policy improvements, and infrastructural

development to mitigate risks and ensure long-term sustainability.

Proposing Solutions for Improving Waste Management and Public Health

Effective waste management plays a vital role in ensuring public health and

environmental sustainability. Various studies have explored comprehensive solutions

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that integrate technology, policy frameworks, and community participation to enhance

waste management systems and reduce health risks.

Lasaiba and Lasaiba (2024) propose a multi-faceted approach to improving waste

management, emphasizing the integration of technology, infrastructure development,

and community participation. The study highlights the significance of public awareness

campaigns and education programs in promoting sustainable practices such as waste

segregation, recycling, and waste reduction. Moreover, the implementation of smart

waste management systems, including automated waste collection and real-time

monitoring, enhances operational efficiency and minimizes environmental risks.

Additionally, strengthening policies and enforcing strict waste disposal regulations are

crucial for ensuring compliance and accountability. These measures collectively

contribute to a more sustainable waste management system, reducing pollution and

preventing health hazards.

Similarly, Ahirwar and Tripathi (2020) explore sustainable waste management

solutions and the impact on public health and environmental safety. Researchers

emphasize the importance of waste segregation at the source to optimize recycling

efforts and minimize landfill waste. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity of

adopting advanced waste processing technologies such as composting and waste-to-

energy conversion to mitigate environmental pollution. The researchers also advocate

for stronger policy frameworks and regulations to enforce proper waste management

practices. Public participation remains a key factor in the proposed solutions, with
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educational campaigns playing a critical role in raising awareness about responsible

waste disposal.

Conclusion
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Improper waste disposal poses a significant threat to public health, contributing

to the spread of infectious diseases, contamination of water sources, and exposure to

hazardous chemicals. Studies indicate a direct correlation between inadequate waste

management and increased cases of illnesses such as cholera, malaria, and respiratory

diseases. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to improve waste collection

infrastructure, enforce stricter waste management policies, and implement public health

education programs. These measures will help minimize exposure to harmful waste and

promote safer, healthier communities.

The environmental consequences of poor waste management are equally

alarming, leading to soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and

biodiversity loss. Inefficient landfill operations and uncontrolled dumping contribute to

pollution and climate change. Sustainable waste management solutions, such as waste-

to-energy conversion, recycling initiatives, and strict landfill regulations, are necessary

to address these challenges. By adopting these practices, societies can minimize

environmental degradation and promote ecological balance.

Several socio-economic and infrastructural factors contribute to improper waste

disposal, including lack of public awareness, insufficient waste management

infrastructure, and weak policy enforcement. Rapid urbanization, financial constraints,

and cultural attitudes further complicate effective waste management efforts.

Addressing these issues requires implementing educational campaigns to raise

awareness, improving waste collection services, and enforcing stricter regulations to

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encourage proper waste disposal habits. These initiatives will help foster a more

responsible and environmentally conscious society.

To improve waste management and public health, a holistic approach combining

technology, policy reforms, and community participation is necessary. Solutions such as

smart waste management systems, waste segregation at the source, and recycling

programs can significantly reduce environmental and health risks. Additionally,

government intervention through enhanced policies, better infrastructure, and

community engagement programs plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of

sustainable waste management practices. By integrating these strategies, communities

can develop efficient waste management systems that protect both public health and

the environment.
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Ahmed, S. M. S., Al-Gehlani, W. A. G., & Alrawaf, T. I. (2022). Environmental

Sustainability Impacts of Solid Waste Management Practices in the Global South.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12717.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912717
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Ahirwar, R., & Tripathi, A. K. (2020). E-waste management: A review of recycling

process, environmental and occupational health hazards, and potential solutions.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(27), 1-15.

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Puducherry. Nanotechnology Perceptions, 20(S14). https://doi.org/10.62441/nano-

ntp.vi.2962
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Eshete H, Desalegn A, Tigu F (2023) Knowledge, attitudes and practices on household

solid waste management and associated factors in Gelemso town, Ethiopia. PLOS ONE

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Medicine, 1(2), 54–59. https://doi.org/10.4103/JHCR.JHCR_13_24

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pdf
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management in Isfahan, Iran after the outbreak of COVID-19. Environmental

Technology, 42(2), 329–336. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2020.1866082